Further guidance on all aspects of access to information is available at the Information Commissioners Office Link to ICO website

N/A

What Types of Information are Affected:

Although the EIRs primarily apply to the public sector there are also incidences where the private sector can be affected. Any information provided to regulators or consultees governed by the regulations could be passed on to the public if requested. The definition of environmental information is very broad and covers information which relates to air, water, land, natural sites, flora and fauna (including crops, genetically modified organisms, livestock and biodiversity), built environment, and health.

There is no absolute requirement for public authorities to notify where they are considering releasing information. Where information may be sensitive the authority should consult the originator of the information however the final decision rests with the public authority.

Information which can be Exempted:

The FOI Act sets out an exemption from the right to request information passed to the public authority in confidence, however this cannot be applied to information generated by the public authority themselves, e.g. any internal records. Additionally, information marked ‘confidential’ or containing confidentiality clauses, e.g. in contracts, will no longer be sufficient.

The EIR create a strong presumption in favour of openness, however a public authority can refuse to disclose environmental information where:

An exception to disclosure applies

The public interest in maintaining exception outweighs the public interest in disclosing information

They do not hold the information when the applicant’s request if received

The request for information is completely unreasonable

The request for information is too general

The request relates to material which is unfinished or in the course of being completed

The request involves the disclosure of internal communications

A public authority can also refuse to disclose environmental information if the disclosure would adversely affect:

International relations, defence, national security or public safety

The course of justice

Intellectual property rights

The confidentiality of the proceedings of any public authority

The protection of the environment

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

None at present.

OGA Consultation on proposed regulations for the retention and disclosure of information and samples

This consultation seeks views from the industry on OGA proposals for two sets of regulations relating to the retention and to the public disclosure by the OGA of petroleum-related information and samples pursuant to the Energy Act 2016.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the Oil & Gas UK Environmental Legislation Website. The aim of this site is to provide access to information on statutory environmental requirements for offshore and onshore upstream oil and gas operations.